Last week I had the opportunity to speak to a user group about SQL Server and in particular Integration Services. It was a nice opportunity to clear out the cob webs and talk about one of my favorite topics. https://www.clicktoattend.com/invitation.aspx?code=122496

Initially, it wasn't going so well. I've found that the audiences vary for these events drastically. The closer one gets to Redmond, the more up to date the audience is on newer technologies. So, it's good to do a gut check sometimes and find out if what I'm saying is actually making sense to the audience. In this case, I was talking about what's new in SQL Server Integration Services 2008 and Master Data Management. Well, as I started talking about what's new, the audience began to get the glazed look on their faces.

So, I asked some more questions and it became apparent quite clearly why that was. When I asked how many were currently using SSIS, only a few hands went up. But, when I asked how many were using DTS, I believe every person in the room raised their hand. I'd had an off by one version error.

Super, so I switched gears and gave a talk that I've been giving for ~4 years. What's new in SSIS 2005.

Suddenly, lights went on in people's eyes. The guy over on the far left woke up. People started asking questions, real questions.

Overall, it was a fun experience. It's always cool to rub elbows with folks that are using the product and give constructive feedback and encouragement.

Leonardo Junquera runs that group and does a great job. Thanks for the opportunity to speak Leo!

K

Just thought I'd share the newly minted MDM website here:

http://www.microsoft.com/mdm

There are some whitepapers, case studies, links and other resources there. Over time we'll add to the content. We'll continue the whitepaper series, add more information about the product and programs as it becomes available.

We've also published the product roadmap available here in pdf format:

http://www.stratature.com/portals/0/MSMDMRoadmap.pdf

Here are some highlights of the roadmap.

The codename for the next version of the MDM product is Bulldog.

with MDM. For more information on TAP contact MDMVibe@Microsoft.com.

Donald Farmer from SQL Server talks a bit about MDM at Microsoft. Especially appreciated, is the last note.

Thanks Donald, that means a lot to me.

Universe.Earth.Software.Microsoft.Office.MDM.KirkHaselden

It's been quite a while since I've been in the blogging scene. Since writing the SSIS book, I've been very busy on a new project building a strategy for MDM at Microsoft. After 14 months of studying, thinking, discussing, presenting, reviewing, approving, socializing, powerpointing....... 

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Microsoft has successfully acquired Stratature.

It's been a long road, but all the effort has paid off and we were able to close the deal to acquire Stratature yesterday.  

Here's the 411:

• Microsoft is acquiring Stratature, a private company based in Alpharetta, GA., a provider of Master Data Management (MDM) products. This acquisition will help accelerate Microsoft’s delivery of technology in the MDM market.
• Stratature’s technology and product portfolio will become a core part of Microsoft’s product offering, and will significantly enhance the value delivered to customers to manage their important business hierarchies.
• MDM capabilities will be delivered through Microsoft Office system applications and servers on top of an infrastructure provided from SQL Server. Over time, these capabilities will become an integral part of the Microsoft Office Business Platform, benefiting our customer’s investments in our PerformancePoint, Dynamics, Project Server, and SharePoint lines of products.
• Stratature’s existing customers will continue to receive the same level of support they received from Stratature prior to the acquisition. Microsoft and Stratature will work together to ensure all customer and partner agreements are satisfied.
• Future equivalent and additional functionality will be provided through Microsoft branded products.

Here's what some analysts and industry observers had to say:

http://www.itnews.com.au/newsstory.aspx?CIaNID=53834&src=site-marq

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/software/soa/Microsoft-buys-into-master-data-management/0,130061733,339278352,00.htm

http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9727047-7.html

http://www.amrresearch.com/Content/View.asp?pmillid=20472

 While we believe that this is a very positive step in the right direction, we also recognize that it's just a first step. Stratature provides an analytical solution that is similar to, but different than transactional MDM. As we move forward developing and releasing the product, look here for regular updates and insights into our progress. If you have further questions and would like to speak to someone at Microsoft to get further insight into our MDM roadmap, please send email to MDMVibe@Microsoft.com

For today, we take a deep breath and congratulate Ian Ahern and the entire Stratature team for the fantastic work they have done in building a world class MDM product. We look forward to further building on their solid product successes.

I'm excited to have completed this acquisition, but I'm perhaps even more excited about the caliber of the team that we're pulling together to deliver the vision. More on this later, but if you look around the net a bit, possibly search on MDM and my name, I bet you could figure out who else is already along for the ride...  

Watch this space for more breaking news and discussion about Microsoft's Master Data Management story.

By the way, if you're at TechEd in Orlando, be sure to check out Bill Baker's talk in the morning. He'll be talking a bit obout this. Might even be a demo.

Universe.Earth.Software.Microsoft.Office.MDM.KirkHaselden